Patents Examined by Bernard Roskoski
  • Patent number: 6144463
    Abstract: A facsimile machine is connected to another facsimile machine by a telephone line and to a computer by an exclusive line. The facsimile machine has a computer-linked mode and an ordinary facsimile mode. If the facsimile machine is in the computer-linked mode, the image data transmission between the facsimile machine and the computer is performed based on an instruction command from an operator of the computer. If the facsimile machine is in the ordinary facsimile mode, the image data transmission between the facsimile machine and another facsimile machine is performed in an ordinary facsimile transmission manner. When an instruction command comes from the computer, the facsimile machine sends a response signal (or message) to the computer in answer to the instruction command. Thus, the facsimile machine operates under the supervision of the computer. This improves the control reliability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Assignee: Murata Kikai Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masahiro Utsumi, Kunji Okazaki, Shinji Kawasaki, Shinichi Tanaka
  • Patent number: 6144620
    Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring an athletic activity and, more particularly, to an apparatus for facilitating the refereeing of an American football game is configured to be worn on either hand of the user and to be operated thereby, and is advantageously constructed to not interfere with movement of the hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Inventor: Thomas dePoortere
  • Patent number: 6144621
    Abstract: A charging type electronic timepiece of the present invention is configured such that a return to a correct time display is achieved after the recovery of the voltage on the basis of time information held by a circuit in case the power-supply voltage has dropped to such an extent as to prohibit a motor drive without causing any interruption of oscillation (a stop of issue of reference signals) and such that in case the extent of the voltage drop is such as to cause an interruption of oscillation, a stop alarm display is given first after the voltage recovery through a storage of the fact of the interruption of the circuit since correct time information is no longer expected to be held by the circuit. This allows the charging type electronic timepiece to minimize the inconvenience that the user must perform a time adjustment and to securely inform the user of a true necessity of time adjustment through a display of its information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Assignee: Citizen Watch Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masahiro Sase
  • Patent number: 6137748
    Abstract: An electronic timepiece includes a time counter (19) for counting time reference signals, a calendar hand moving device (20) for moving hands in accordance with the count content of the time counter, a cover open/close switch (15) for sensing opening/closing of a timepiece cover and time information setting means for setting time calendar information when the timepiece cover is opened. The time counter (19) is constituted so that it counts the time reference signals by using the time information set by the time information setting means as the reference, and the time information setting means includes an electrode code plate (10) having a plurality of electrodes (10A) that can be electrically connected by an conductive material such as a pencil, a detection circuit (12) for judging the connection between the electrodes and a memory circuit (14) for judging the connection between the electrodes, converting it to time information and storing the time information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Assignee: Citizen Watch Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tomomi Murakami
  • Patent number: 6130862
    Abstract: An improved wristwatch assembly is provided. The wristwatch assembly comprises a watchcase and a bangle bracelet. One end of the bracelet is fixed to the case, while the other end "swingably" wraps around the case, creating an integrated design flow. The swingable motion of the case not only is aesthetically pleasing, but enables the watch design to be easily placed on the wrist and conform thereto, as well as to be easily removed from the wrist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Assignee: E. Gluck Corporation
    Inventor: Claudia Upton
  • Patent number: 6130860
    Abstract: A transmitter includes a time measuring unit. The transmitter also includes a time information storage unit for storing information on the time measured by the time measuring unit when a specified process was performed. The transmitter is responsive to an instruction of transmission to transmit to a receiver information on the time difference between the time measured by the time measuring unit and the time whose information is stored in the time information storage unit. The receiver calculates the time when the specified process was performed by the transmitter on the basis of the information on the received time difference and information on the current time obtained by a time measuring unit. Thus, although the transmitter has no current time measuring unit, the receiver is capable of specifying the time when the specified process was performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Assignee: Casio Computer Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroaki Suzuki
  • Patent number: 6128252
    Abstract: When an analog indicator is enabled, the position of the time indicator is detected by an indicator position detection circuit. When the indicator arrives at a predetermined position, typically 24:00, a CPU advances calendar data to a correct date and stores the calculation result in a calendar counter. The CPU outputs a drive instruction signal to a date-indicating wheel drive pulse generating circuit to drive a date-indicating wheel to the correct date. The date-indicating wheel drive pulse generating circuit then drives the date-indicating wheel to a renewed position. At this time, a time counter is cleared to 0:00 and is synchronized with the position of the analog indicator. When driving of the analog indicator is disabled, such as by the pulling out of a crown switch, and the time counted by the time counter arrives at a predetermined time, typically 24:00, the CPU advances the present calendar data to the correct date and stores the calculation result in the calendar counter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Assignee: Seiko Instruments Inc.
    Inventor: Naokatsu Nosaka
  • Patent number: 6128253
    Abstract: A delay test system includes an electronic circuit, such as a normal circuit which has a portion to be tested and a plurality of flip-flop circuits. In this event, each of flip-flop circuits is serially connected to each other to perform a delay test for said normal circuit. Further, a first clock input terminal is connected to the flip-flips and a normal circuit to input a normal mode clock signal. Moreover, a second clock input terminal is connected to the flip-flop circuits and the normal circuit to input a test clock signal. With such a structure, an input and output operation of data signals is carried out in synchronism with edge timings determined by both the normal mode clock signal in the normal mode on the condition that the test clock signal is not supplied to the second clock input terminal. On the other hand, the first and second clock input terminals are separately driven by the normal mode clock signal and the teat clock signal in the test mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Hisashi Yamauchi
  • Patent number: 6126309
    Abstract: The time-setting device includes a stem (8) capable of driving by friction a motion work wheel (29). The stem (8) ends in a knob (31) which rests against an annular flange (32) made under the motion work wheel. When the stem (8) is in a pushed in position, the knob runs idle. When this stem is pulled out, the knob drives the motion work to set the time of the hour (23) and minute (22) hands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Assignee: ETA SA Fabriques d'Ebauches
    Inventors: Marco Bettelini, Bjorn Kjelsberg
  • Patent number: 6123450
    Abstract: The invention concerns a decorative element which includes a substrate coated at least partially with a protective decorative film made of a hard material, characterised in that the material of said film has a microcrystalline structure and an external surface having a regular cauliflower type topography.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Assignee: Montres Rado SA
    Inventor: Michael Bach
  • Patent number: 6120177
    Abstract: In an electronic watch including a so-called automatic winding dynamo, structures of parts themselves and layout of the parts are improved to achieve a reduction in thickness of the electronic watch. Bearing portions for a rotational shaft (211) of a dynamo rotor (21) are made up of hole jewels (212, 214) and ring-shaped caps (213, 215). The cap (215) covers, from the outer side, one end surface (216) of the hole jewel (214) which locates on the side facing a dynamo rotor (21), and defines a lubricant holding annular slot (G3) between the cap and an outer circumferential surface of the rotational shaft (211). Accordingly, even with the dynamo rotor (21) rotating at a high speed, a lubricant is prevented from scattering to the surroundings from the annular slot (G3). Spacings between adjacent parts can be narrowed and the thickness of the electronic watch can be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Tatsuo Hara, Joji Kitahara
  • Patent number: 6113259
    Abstract: The timepiece (1) includes a mainspring (2) driving the rotor (3a) of an electromechanical converter (3) and time display hands (6). A circuit (7) for enslaving the real angular position of the rotor (3a) to its desired angular position is supplied with electrical energy by the converter (3). In order to increase the autonomy of the timepiece (1), the enslaving circuit (7) includes means (28) which store a portion of the electrical energy generated by the converter (3) and means (21, 23 to 27) which use this stored electrical energy to apply driving pulses (IM) to the converter (3) when the rotor (3a) has a greater retardation than a determined retardation, with respect to its desired angular position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: Asulab S.A.
    Inventors: Pierre-Andre Farine, Jean-Jacques Born, Francis Chabloz
  • Patent number: 6108920
    Abstract: In an electronic level in which a leveling rod is collimated to convert the result of collimation into an image signal in the form of an electric signal and then graduated numerical values are automatically recognized as characters to thereby compute the collimated position, recognition cannot be made with small graduated numerical values when the distance between a telescope 1 and the leveling rod is large. If the graduated numerical values are enlarged, recognition can neither be made when the distance is small because the graduated numerical values go beyond the field of view. As a solution, two kinds of large and small graduated numerical values A, B are indicated on the leveling rod. From the pitches of graduation patterns M1, M2 in the image signals, the distance between the telescope and the leveling rod is obtained. Then, depending on the distance, the graduated numerical value to be recognized is selected out of the graduated numerical values A, B.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignee: Sokkia Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masayuki Kinoshita
  • Patent number: 6105264
    Abstract: A laser measuring device, for accurately measuring and realigning damaged vehicle structural elements. The device comprises a body with a horizontal magnetic surface, a ruler which extends perpendicularly to the magnetic surface, a slide which moves along the ruler, and a laser affixed to the slide. The laser can be moved to a designated distance from the upper magnetic surface of the magnet. The laser is pivotally moveable relative to the slide so that the laser can be leveled. The laser includes a line generation prism to project a horizontal line from the laser. The invention is used in conjunction with an autobody frame and helps establish a horizontal (laser) datum line from which reference measurements can be taken to designated measurement points on the frame of the automobile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Inventor: Jeff Phillips
  • Patent number: 6108276
    Abstract: A belt buckle includes a buckle body having a center opening, a bottom notch and an elongated top slot, a watch pivoted to the bottom notch of the buckle body and turned in and out of the center opening of the buckle body, a torsional spring connected between the buckle body and the watch to force the watch out of the center opening of the buckle body, and a locking lever turned about a pivot in the elongated top slot of the buckle body and forced by a spring in the elongated top slot into engagement with a locating groove at the top side of the watch to hold the watch in the center opening of the buckle body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Inventor: Chien-Fang Chen
  • Patent number: 6092923
    Abstract: The invention relates to a timepiece having a body or frame upon which an added element may be held, in a detachable manner. The invention also relates to a method of assembling this element on said body or frame.This timepiece is characterized in that the fixation means of the element added to the body or frame are formed by at least one rotating bolt (10) which is anchored permanently in the material itself of the body or frame (2) and is axially immobilized by said material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Assignee: Eta SA Fabriques d'Ebauches
    Inventor: Friedrich Perrot
  • Patent number: 6088302
    Abstract: To provide an electronic timepiece enabling reliable detection of a state of rotation of an indication wheel such as a date dial.An ultrasonic motor 1130 has an ultrasonic rotor pinion 1134b. A date dial 1120 is disposed on a main plate 1102 in such a way as to rotate relative thereto. The ultrasonic rotor pinion 1134b is meshed with an intermediate date driving gear wheel 1142a. A date driving wheel 1150 is rotatably disposed on the main plate 1102. A date driving gear wheel 1150b is meshed with an intermediate date driving pinion 1142b. A date driving gear portion 1150b is meshed with a dial gear portion 1120a. A contact point spring 1160 is disposed on a spring guiding portion 1150d. The contact point spring 1160 rotates integrally with the date driving wheel 1150 through the rotation of the date driving wheel 1150. The state of rotation of the date driving wheel 1150 can be detected by contact of the contact point spring 1160 with the contact point pattern 1174.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: Seiko Instruments Inc.
    Inventors: Kenichi Nakajima, Takayuki Satodate, Akihiro Matouge, Akihiko Inada, Mitsuru Ishii, Yoshio Koyama, Shigeo Suzuki, Masayuki Kawata, Yuko Sasaki, Eriko Takakuwa
  • Patent number: 6088303
    Abstract: When a time card is inserted in a time recorder at the time of ending work, a time recorder calculates the hours worked in one day based on the time of starting work on the same day. A control circuit then outputs the data of the new remaining required work hours calculated by subtracting the hours worked in the day from the remaining required work hours stored in a memory circuit, and a printer prints the time corresponding to the data of the new remaining required work hours onto a specific printing column of the time card.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: Seiko Precision Inc.
    Inventor: Katsumi Oishi
  • Patent number: 6086244
    Abstract: A temperature compensated clock and method of clocking systems are provided. The clock preferably has an oscillator for generating an oscillating waveform signal at a preselected frequency and a frequency divider responsive to the oscillator for dividing the frequency of the oscillating waveform signal. A temperature monitoring circuit is positioned responsive to a voltage input signal independent of temperature and a voltage input signal proportional to temperature for monitoring temperature variations. A temperature compensating circuit, preferably including a programmable scaling circuit, is responsive to the frequency divider and the temperature monitoring circuit for scaling the divided frequency of the generated waveform and thereby advantageously produces a temperature compensated output timing signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Rong Yin
  • Patent number: 6079872
    Abstract: A watch casing capable of containing an object, such as a cigar cutter, the watch casing comprising a base and a lid moveably connected to the base, where the base or the lid comprises a recess capable of holding the object. The watch face or dial is situated on the lid, which is attached to the base by a hinge, and which lid moves between and open and a closed position. In the folded position, the lid on the watch casing conceals all or most of the object contained within the watch casing, beneath the watch face or dial.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Assignee: T Watch & Co. S.A.
    Inventor: Jean-Jacques Besson